Donna Jean Wess

Donna Jean Wess, age 90, of Bedford, Texas passed away peacefully at home on September 11, 2026. She was born on June 24, 1936, in Hamtramck, Michigan, she was the beloved and only child of Jean and Stephen Brant. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen F. and Jean P. Brant. She is survived by her loving children, Deborah Stollman (Daniel), Pamela Wess, Raymond Wess (Cecelia), Barry Wess, and Daniel Wess; grandchildren, Cheryl, Adam, Steven, Sara (Brian), Samantha, and Raylynn, and five great-grandchildren. Her family was most important to her. 

Donna was an avid reader and golfer, she came from a family of accomplished amateur golfers, and the sport along with tennis was central to family life. She was once president of the local PTA and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother for her children’s troops. 

While raising her children, Donna decided to return to college to complete her degree. She graduated from the University of Michigan with distinction and most often earned a place on the Dean’s List. After graduation she had hoped to become a full-time schoolteacher and took the opportunity to substitute teach in nearby districts. After moving to Texas with her sons, she chose to work at and retire from American Airlines, where the employee flight benefits allowed her to travel and stay close to those she loved in California. Donna especially enjoyed flying to Michigan to visit her cousins and bestie, as well as making her annual trip to Kowalski’s for Easter kielbasa. She cherished preparing Thanksgiving and Easter dinners for her beloved sons, who lived nearby. She also treasured her yearly glamping trips with her daughters and grandchildren at Family Camp near Yosemite National Park and visited her family in California as often as possible. Her daughters picked  her up at the airport so frequently that, when they were young, her grandchildren thought she lived there. 

After retirement, along with her travels, Donna enjoyed a few classes at the local community college where she met new contemporaries with whom she golfed and spent additional time together in a book club. She also attended Bible study. 

Her love, friendship, and regular “Hallmark” greetings will be missed by all. 

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, 8525 Mid Cities Blvd., North Richland Hills, TX 76182, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Followed by a 1:00pm Celebration of Life gathering at The Morrow Green clubhouse located at 17 Park Lane, Bedford, TX 76021.